Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or Pat Bryant

Wednesday, April 30, 1:43 PM

The Athletic's Mike DeFabo writes that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has the inside track to win the starting job in the slot in 2025, with DK Metcalf and George Pickens locked in to start on the outside. However, Roman Wilson will challenge Austin for playing time in training camp this summer after missing virtually his entire rookie season due to multiple injuries. Metcalf, Pickens, Austin and Wilson are probably locks for the 53-man roster, with Ben Skowronek the most likely candidate for the fifth spot because of his value on special teams as a gunner. The Steelers could also elect to take newcomer Robert Woods as a big-bodied slot receiver and willing blocker. With questions at quarterback in Pittsburgh, it's hard to get excited about anyone in fantasy beyond Metcalf and Pickens for the 2025 season.

Tuesday, April 29, 1:51 PM

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton says that rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant, who the team took at No. 74 overall in the third round in last week's NFL draft, reminds him of former New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas. "(Bryant) has just a lot of traits that Mike had," Payton said. "Especially at the line of scrimmage." Bryant was a surprise top-75 pick because of his lack of speed -- he ran the second-slowest 40-yard dash (4.61 seconds) at the combine among receivers. While the 22-year-old didn't show off-the-charts athleticism, the Broncos think he'll bring an edge to the receiver room and push second-year players Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin in the passing attack. The 6-foot-2, 204-pounder had 17 touchdowns at Illinois in his last two seasons. Behind WR1 Courtland Sutton, Bryant will be competing with Vele, Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. for playing time in his first year in the NFL.